Basic Payment Scheme
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is being phased out from 2021 and the last payment will be in 2027. From 2024 we expect the link between land / common rights and payments will be broken but we await further details.
On common land the calculations are particularly complicated with the need for the Rural Payment Agency (RPA) to convert common rights into notional hectares. Currently you have to hold an entitlement for each hectare of land allocated to you from the common to be paid BPS. This information outlines the system used by the RPA and particular concerns relevant to common land.
The RPA method of calculating BPS entitlements on common land
Specific Common Land BPS Issues
There are a number of potential issues with BPS on common land. Click below to find out more.
Resolving Disputes
Where a dispute remains or arises with the RPA, the following steps can be followed. Detailed advice can be sought from consultants, land agents or solicitors who specialise in such work.
Step 1: Obtain the audit sheet for the relevant common.
Check the online table of the areas and LUs of the common on gov.uk
Step 2: Contact the RPA
The RPA has a unit that specialises in common land matters and this is based at Northallerton. The team there are helpful and understand how the commons registers work. Many problems can be resolved by correspondence with them.
Step 3: Appeal
The RPA provides a process for appealing decisions. More details can be found on their website. The first stage is a complaint letter before following a more formal process if needed. As a last resort, although an unlikely approach, judicial review may be initiated.
Further information and signposting
The RPA is the main and most comprehensive source of additional information and advice. Further details are found in the Basic Payment Scheme February 2005 update, available on the RPA website.
RPA Conversion into Livestock Units (NB these may be different from the conversion factors used in individual commons registers). If they do the RPA tend to use the conversion ratio that is most favourable to the claimant.
